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Study in France

Explore subjects, study options, costs, intakes, scholarships and student visa information.

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About studying in France

France is in Western Europe, and its universities and colleges welcome students from many countries. International students can look at undergraduate, postgraduate and, in some fields, research programmes, as well as shorter courses where institutions offer them. Study options span broad areas such as business, engineering, health, the sciences and the humanities, with business services, infrastructure and aviation shaping much of the country’s economy.

Paris, Lyon and Toulouse are among the places students often consider. Many courses are taught in French, and some institutions also offer programmes in English. Use this guide to explore subjects, typical intakes, costs, scholarships and visa steps, then check the details with each institution.

Why study in France?

What makes France worth considering depends on what you want from your studies. Its location in Western Europe, the local language and the subjects on offer all shape the experience, alongside your budget and career goals.

  • Academic choice: institutions offer programmes in areas such as Business & Management, Engineering and Aviation & Aerospace, with options differing between universities.
  • Industry context: Business services, infrastructure and aviation matter locally, which can make related courses and projects especially relevant.
  • Cities and campus life: Paris, Lyon and Toulouse each offer a different student experience, from larger cities to smaller campus towns.
  • Culture and language: living in France means everyday contact with French and local traditions, which many students find valuable in itself.
  • European mobility: as part of the European Union, France takes part in European programmes and qualification frameworks that can make it easier to move between countries during or after study.

Besides public universities, France has grandes écoles: selective institutions known for engineering, business and public administration.

Compare the structure of each programme, how it is assessed and what support is available for international students before you decide.

Top subjects to study in France

Choosing a subject is the first big decision. For France, the areas below are a sensible place to begin; they reflect local strengths such as business services, infrastructure and aviation, not a league table.

Links to business services, infrastructure and aviation mean that related courses may include practical projects or industry examples, although this varies by institution. Each subject has its own page for France on this site, with its specializations.

It helps to look at specializations within each area as well: two programmes with the same broad subject can lead in quite different directions.

Subjects to study in France

Explore subject areas available for students planning to study in France.

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Universities in France

Explore universities in France and discover study options for international students.

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Scholarships to Study in France

Scholarships and funding programmes you can use to study here. Check each one's eligibility and dates.

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Funding your studies in France

Paying for study in France can involve more than one source of support, and it is worth researching them before you apply for a course.

  • government programmes, including schemes run by your own country or by France
  • universities and colleges, through institutional awards or fee reductions
  • foundations, charities and international organisations
  • research funding or assistantships for postgraduate and doctoral students
  • European exchange and mobility programmes, where your institution takes part

Eligibility, the amount of support and deadlines vary, and competition can be strong. Apply to several suitable options and confirm what each award covers. Official scholarship providers and university funding pages are the most reliable sources.

Applications often ask for a personal statement, references and academic transcripts, so prepare these early and tailor them to each award.

Study Abroad Consultants for France

Consultants who help students apply to study in France.

  • Demo Campus Bridge Consultants

    Lajpat Nagar, Delhi · +3 more offices

    Sample listingStudy Abroad Consultant

    Study destinations: 🇳🇱 Netherlands · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇫🇷 France · 🇺🇸 USA · 🇬🇧 UK · +1 more

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Pre-Departure · Post-Admission

    7 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, Diploma

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Netherlands, Canada, France, USA, UK and Germany.

    View Consultant Website Demo Campus Bridge Consultants (opens in a new tab)

  • Demo Capital Overseas Education

    Lajpat Nagar, Delhi

    Sample listingEducation Consultant

    Study destinations: 🇮🇹 Italy · 🇺🇸 USA · 🇫🇷 France · 🇳🇱 Netherlands

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Financial Support · Pre-Departure

    8 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, Certificate

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Italy, USA, France and Netherlands.

    View Consultant Website Demo Capital Overseas Education (opens in a new tab)

  • Demo Lajpat Study Advisors

    Lajpat Nagar, Delhi

    Sample listingStudy Abroad Consultant

    Study destinations: 🇬🇧 UK · 🇫🇷 France · 🇮🇪 Ireland · 🇩🇪 Germany

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Financial Support · Pre-Departure

    7 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's, Diploma

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to UK, France, Ireland and Germany.

    View Consultant Website Demo Lajpat Study Advisors (opens in a new tab)

  • Demo Study Connect

    Kothrud, Pune

    Sample listingLanguage & Education Consultant

    Study destinations: 🇮🇪 Ireland · 🇺🇸 USA · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇫🇷 France

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Financial Support · Pre-Departure

    9 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to Ireland, USA, Canada and France.

    View Consultant Website Demo Study Connect (opens in a new tab)

  • Sample Destination Desk

    Madhapur, Hyderabad

    Sample listingStudy Abroad Consultant

    Study destinations: 🇬🇧 UK · 🇨🇦 Canada · 🇫🇷 France · 🇮🇹 Italy

    Services: University Admissions · Visa · Test Preparation · Financial Support

    8 partnered universities (sample data) · Bachelor's, Master's

    Sample consultant used to test the directory: supports applications to UK, Canada, France and Italy.

    View Consultant Website Sample Destination Desk (opens in a new tab)

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Listings are not rankings or endorsements. Check services and fees directly with each consultant.

Intakes to study in France

Many programmes in France start around September, which is the main entry point for most new students. Some institutions also admit students around January or February, although this second intake is usually available for fewer courses. Exact dates vary by institution and programme.

Plan early. Popular courses can close well before the start date, and international applicants usually need extra time for translations, language tests, scholarship applications and visas. Each institution publishes its own deadlines, so check them for every course on your list.

Postgraduate research programmes may have more flexible start dates, agreed with a supervisor.

A simple planning checklist:

  • shortlist courses and note each start date and deadline
  • prepare transcripts, references and any language test results
  • apply for scholarships alongside your course applications
  • allow time for the visa and for arranging accommodation

Intake dates and deadlines vary by university and course. Always check them with the university.

Cost of studying in France

The cost of studying in France depends on the institution, the programme, the level of study and, sometimes, your nationality. In some cases, fees depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen, so check which fee category applies to you.

When you compare options, look beyond the tuition fee:

  • application and registration fees
  • course materials, equipment or laboratory costs for some subjects
  • health insurance and any visa or permit costs
  • accommodation, travel and living expenses for the whole programme

Longer programmes, foundation years and placements all affect the total you will need, so build your budget from the institution’s current published fees.

It is also worth asking how and when fees are paid, whether a deposit is required to secure your place, and how exchange rates could affect the amount you pay from home.

Fees change and differ by university, course and level. Check current fees with each university.

Student visa requirements to study in France

Rules on studying in France as a foreign national depend on your citizenship and course, so the first step is to find out which category applies to you. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can usually study without a visa but may need to register their residence; other students usually need a long-stay visa or residence permit. A short-stay Schengen visa is not normally enough for a full degree programme.

Requirements can differ by nationality, programme and length of stay. Depending on the rules, you may be asked for:

  • an offer or confirmation of enrolment from a recognised institution
  • a valid passport and passport photos
  • evidence that you can cover tuition and living costs
  • health insurance and, in some cases, medical checks
  • proof of language ability or previous qualifications

Visa rules and fees change, so always check the current requirements with official government sources before you apply. Official information: France-Visas, the official visa website for France (official government website).

Visa rules change. Always check the official government immigration website before you apply.

Cost of living in France

How much you spend while studying in France varies from student to student and from city to city. Costs in Paris can differ noticeably from those in Lyon or Toulouse and smaller towns.

The main costs to plan for are:

  • Accommodation: university housing, shared flats or private rentals, plus deposits
  • Food: groceries, cooking at home and eating out
  • Transport: local travel and occasional trips home
  • Utilities and phone: energy, internet and mobile data
  • Insurance and health: any required health cover
  • Personal spending: study materials, clothing and social life

Current cost estimates from your institution and official sources will help you build a realistic budget for the whole course.

Living costs depend on the city and your lifestyle, and they change over time.

FAQs about studying in France

Is France a good place to study?

It depends on your goals. France offers programmes across many subjects, a location in Western Europe and study in French (with some English-taught options). Students interested in business services, infrastructure and aviation may find the local context especially relevant.

What subjects can I study in France?

Institutions offer a wide range of subjects, including Business & Management, Engineering, Aviation & Aerospace and Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. The subjects page for France lists every subject available here with its specializations.

When do courses start in France?

Many programmes start around September. Apply well ahead of the start date, especially if you need a visa, and check the deadline for each course on the institution’s website.

How much does it cost to study in France?

Costs depend on the institution, programme, level of study and sometimes your nationality. Budget for tuition as well as application fees, insurance, accommodation and living costs, and use the current fees published by each institution.

Do international students need a visa to study in France?

EU/EEA citizens can usually study without a visa; most other international students need a student visa or residence permit. Requirements depend on your nationality and programme, so check the current rules with official government sources, such as France-Visas, the official visa website for France.

Are scholarships available for international students in France?

Some funding is available from governments, universities and other organisations, but awards are competitive and eligibility varies. Check official provider websites and apply early.

Which cities are popular with students in France?

Paris, Lyon and Toulouse are among the places students often consider. Living costs, housing and the student experience can differ between cities, so compare them alongside your course options.

Can I study in English in France?

Many courses are taught in French. Some institutions offer English-taught programmes, but availability varies, so check the language of instruction and language requirements for each course.

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